Trial of Tazreen Fashions MD over deadly fire set to begin on July 8

The trial of Tazreen Fashions’ owner is set to begin after two and a half years into the harrowing incident that left more than a hundred people dead.

Dhaka’s District and Sessions Judge SM Kuddus Zaman on Tuesday took cognisance of the case and set July 8 for framing of charges.

In December 2013, police submitted a charge-sheet in the case over the incident, holding 13 including the company's Managing Director Delwar Hossain and Chairman Mahmuda Akter responsible for the tragedy.

At least 112 people, mostly workers, died and more than 200 were injured in the fire at Tazreen Fashions at Ashulia in Dhaka’s Savar on Nov 24, 2012.

The accused had been charged with manslaughter and culpable negligence under Section 304 and 304 (a) of the Criminal Procedure Code.

On Tuesday, Hossain, Akter and five others surrendered to the court before securing bail.

The five are Administrative Officer Dulal Uddin, Store Manager Hamidul Islam Lablu, Security Supervisor Al Amin, Security In-charge Anisur Rahman and Store In-charge (thread) Al-Amin.

The court ordered arrest of Security Guard ‘Rana’ alias ‘Anarul’ and Loader Md Shamim as they did not appear before it.

Four accused in the case – Engineer S Mahbubul Morshe, Factory Manager Abdur Razzak, Quality Manager Shahiduzzaman Dulal and Production Manager Mobarak Hossain Monju – are  absconding.